Clearspan fabric structure

ABSTRACT

A clearspan structure including component systems, and methods of forming a clearspan structure including component systems, for mitigating hazards to personnel or equipment from explosions, fires, toxic material release, and other hazards in hazardous locations. The exemplary clearspan structure is also capable of withstanding environmental conditions such as snow loads and wind. The exemplary clearspan structure is, for example, a tent or fabric structure which includes a plurality of frame members forming a support system for the clearspan structure, and fabric roof portions and walls for enclosing the clearspan structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/966,611, filed Apr. 30, 2018, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/078,910(now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,988,805), filed Mar. 23, 2016, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/137,562,filed Mar. 24, 2015.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to a clearspan structureincluding component systems, and methods of forming a clearspanstructure including component systems. For example and withoutlimitation, the present disclosure relates to clearspan tents and fabricstructures used to mitigate hazards to personnel or equipment fromexplosions, fires, and toxic material release, e.g., at refineries,petrochemical plants, chemical operations, natural gas liquidsextraction plants, natural gas liquefaction plants, and other facilitiessuch as those covered by Occupational Safety and Health Standards 29 CFR1910.119, “Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals”(2013). Among other things, clearspan structures, systems, and methodsaccording to the present disclosure increase the amount of blast impactfrom which a blast resistant tent may provide protection, providegreater flexibility for locating the clearspan structure on anindustrial site, and meet or exceed related industry requirements forrecommended practices such as the American Petroleum InstituteRecommended Practice 756 (API RP 756), “Management of Hazards Associatedwith Location of Process Plant Tents.”

The disclosed clearspan structures also withstand potentiallydestructive environmental conditions caused by, for example, winds andsnow loads.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

For purposes of this disclosure, a “clearspan structure” or “clearspanfabric structure” is defined as a structure incorporating a membrane anda structural support system wherein stresses developed in the tensionedmembrane interact with those in the structural support so that theentire assembly acts together to resist the applied load, for example asdescribed by the American Petroleum Institute “Management of HazardsAssociated with Location of Process Plant Tents,” API RecommendedPractice 756, First Edition (September 2014).

The present disclosure generally relates to a clearspan structureincluding component systems, and methods of forming a clearspanstructure including component systems, comprising, in an exemplaryembodiment and without limitation, a frame comprising steel andaluminum, and a fabric membrane. An exemplary clearspan structure is,for example, a tent or fabric structure capable of withstanding hazardsposed in a toxic-thermal blast zone and environmental conditions such assnow loads and wind.

The exemplary embodiment of a clearspan structure includes a pluralityof frame members forming a support, also called a truss, system for theclearspan structure. The frame members of the exemplary embodimentcomprise, among other things, base plates, upright posts, rafters, bracebars, eave purlins, ridge purlins, ridge struts, and intermediatepurlins. In the exemplary embodiment, the base plates are secured to afoundation or the ground, and the upright posts are connected at one endto the base plates and extend vertically upward therefrom to connectwith a first end of the rafters. The rafters are further connected attheir first ends to eave purlins and extend upward therefrom to connectat their second ends with ridge purlins. Intermediate purlins areconnected to the rafters between the eave and ridge purlins.

The exemplary embodiment further includes brace bars and ridge strutsfor providing additional strength, rigidity, and/or resilience to theframe. The brace bar includes: a brace bar saddle to upright that isconnected to a frame member such as an upright post; a hollow structuralsection connected at one end of the hollow structural section to thebrace bar saddle to upright and at another end to a brace bar extension;and, a brace bar saddle to rafter that is connected to each of the bracebar extension and a frame member such as a rafter. The ridge strutsinclude two ridge strut saddles that respectively connect to opposingrafters at the peak of the clearspan structure.

Exemplary disclosed embodiments of a clearspan structure such as a blasttent further include roof fabric and fabric walls formed from doubleflap keder fabric. The double flap keder fabric provides reinforcedprotection from forces associated with blasts, wind, and snow, amongother things. The roof fabric and fabric walls are respectivelyconnected between adjacent rafters and upright posts to cover andenclose the frame of the clearspan structure. In the exemplaryembodiment the roof fabric and fabric walls include keder edges thatconnect to keder tracks on the frame members.

The exemplary clearspan structure may also include additional componentssuch as cable braces connecting frame members for providing extrastrength, rigidity, or other desired properties to the structure; stakebars for distributing forces at base plates to further resist uplift andshear forces, and/or; hanging light assemblies having primary and backupconnections to a rafter for preventing the light assembly from detachingand falling.

These and additional objects of the disclosure will be readily apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art, based on the detailed descriptionwhich follows.

There has thus been outlined some of the features of the structure,systems, and methods, in order that the detailed description thereof maybe better understood. One of ordinary skill in the art will understandthat the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details ofthe arrangements, interactions of the components, or steps set forth inthe following description or illustrated in the drawings. The structure,systems, and methods are capable of other embodiments, and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways, without departing from thescope of the disclosure. Also, it should be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of thedescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, the structure,systems, and methods may be embodied in the form illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, thatthe drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made inillustrated structures and systems described within the scope of thedisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments may be betterand more completely understood with reference to the attached drawingsin which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts,and in which:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of clearspan structure according tothe current disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the exemplary clearspan structure;

FIG. 3 shows a side view and exemplary frame portion of the exemplaryclearspan structure;

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary brace bar and assembly for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary base plate connection for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary connection of a rafter, upright post, and eavepurlin for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary eave purlin connection for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary eave purlin bracket for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary ridge purlin connection for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary ridge purlin bracket for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary hook bracket for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary bracket hook for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary ridge purlin for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary intermediate purlin connection for theclearspan structure;

FIG. 15 shows a side view of an exemplary ridge purlin connection forthe clearspan structure;

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary brace bar for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary brace bar saddle to upright for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary brace bar saddle to rafter for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary ridge strut for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 20 shows exemplary fabric portions for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary fabric for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary fabric for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 23 shows an exemplary fabric connection for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 24 shows an exemplary fabric connection for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary cutaway view of a fabric flap for theclearspan structure;

FIG. 26 shows an exemplary fabric wall for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 27 shows a top view of an exemplary fabric wall for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 28 shows an exemplary fabric connection for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 29 shows an exemplary fabric connection for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 30 shows an exemplary stake bar for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 31 shows an exemplary stake bar connection for the clearspanstructure;

FIG. 32 shows an exemplary cable brace for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 33 shows an exemplary cable brace for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 34 shows an exemplary cable brace for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 35 shows an exemplary cable brace for the clearspan structure;

FIG. 36 shows an exemplary hanging light assembly for a clearspanstructure;

FIG. 37 shows an exemplary hanging light assembly for a clearspanstructure; and,

FIG. 38 shows an exemplary hanging light assembly for a clearspanstructure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, the figures illustrate exemplaryembodiment(s) of a clearspan structure including component systems of aclearspan structure. An exemplary method of forming such structure andsystems will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on,for example, the disclosed fabrication, configuration, and fastening ofsuch structure and systems, without limitation thereto.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, an exemplary embodiment of a clearspanstructure 1 is shown. The clearspan structure comprises, among otherthings, frame members such as upright posts 2, rafters 3, brace bars 4,ridge struts 5, base plates 6, eave purlins 7, ridge purlins 8, andintermediate purlins 11. Further, clearspan structure 1 comprises rooffabrics 13 and fabric walls 19 for enclosing the clearspan structure 1,and, in an exemplary embodiment, fabric doors 34 for providing access tothe clearspan structure 1. In addition, the exemplary embodiment of theclearspan structure 1 includes cable braces 27 for providing additionalstability to the clearspan structure 1.

With continuing reference to the exemplary embodiment of the exemplaryframe for a clearspan structure 1 shown in FIGS. 1-4, each upright post2 is secured at one end to a base plate 6 which is secured to afoundation or to the ground. In the exemplary disclosed embodiment,upright posts 2 have a 300 mm×100 mm nominal dimension and are spaced atapproximately 2.5 m increments across the span width of the clearspanstructure 1. Other sizes, weights, and spacing for upright posts 2 maybe used to achieve particular properties for particular structures.

In the exemplary embodiment shown by FIG. 5, upright posts 2 areconnected to base plates 6 by a steel insert 48 with a guide hole 49.The guide hole 49 fits into a mating slot 50 on the top side of the baseplate 6, where a bolt (unnumbered) is inserted through the slot 50 andguide hole 49. In other embodiments, upright posts 2 may be directlyconnected to base plates 6 using bolts, screws, welding, or other knowntechniques. Alternatively, upright posts 2 may be integrally formed withbase plates 6.

Base plate 6 may be secured to a foundation or to the ground usinganchors such as straight stakes and/or helical anchors passed throughanchoring apertures 44 (see FIG. 31), embedded systems, concrete anchors(for pads, ring-beams, piers, etc.), mechanical anchors (drop-in orexpansion anchor types), chemical anchors, or by any techniqueconsistent with this disclosure and particular ground conditions on sitelocations.

Upright posts 2 and base plates 6, as well as other frame membersindicated above and described in further detail below, are made fromsteel and/or aluminum in the exemplary disclosed embodiments. In thesame or other embodiments, the frame members may be made from othermetals, alloys, plastics, or other materials consistent with thisdisclosure.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-4, the upright post 2 extendsupward from the base plate 6 and connects at a second end of the uprightpost 2 to a first end of a rafter 3. With specific reference now to theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and further in FIGS. 6-7, eachupright post 2 is connected to a rafter 3 using a bracket 35 that spansand connects to each of the upright post 2 and rafter 3. In theexemplary embodiment, brackets 35 are secured to upright post 2 andrafter 3 using bolts 36 that extend through upright post 2 and rafter 3and secure a second bracket 35 to an opposite side of upright post 2 andrafter 3 using nuts 37. In other embodiments, brackets 35 may be securedusing screws, welding, or other known techniques consistent with thisdisclosure. In still further embodiments, upright post 2 and rafter 3may be integrally formed.

With continuing reference to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-2, andwith further reference to FIGS. 6-7, in the exemplary embodiment thefirst end of each rafter 3 is also connected to an eave purlin 7. Anexemplary connection of a rafter 3 to an eave purlin 7 is shown in FIGS.6-7. Eave purlin 7 abuts rafter 3 and is secured thereto using an eavepurlin bracket 9 as shown in FIGS. 6-8. The exemplary eave purlinbracket 9 of FIG. 8 has a bent-U shape and includes fastener apertures38 for accommodating a fastener such as a screw, bolt, rivet, or otherknown fastener.

As shown in the view along the rafter 3 of FIG. 6 and the view along theeave purlin 7 of FIG. 7, the exemplary eave purlin bracket 9 isrespectively connected to the eave purlin 7 at the base 9 a of the eavepurlin bracket 9 and to the rafter 3 at the arms 9 b of the eave purlinbracket 9. In the exemplary embodiment, eave purlin bracket 9 isconnected to the eave purlin 7 and rafter 3 using self-tapping screws 39that extend through fastener apertures 38 on the eave purlin bracket 9.In other embodiments, eave purlin bracket 9 may be connected to eavepurlin 7 and rafter 3 using any known method consistent with thisdisclosure, such as welding or clamping.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3 and the frame of the clearspanstructure 1, rafters 3 extend from upright posts 2 and eave purlins 7 toridge purlins 8. An exemplary connection between rafters 3 and a ridgepurlin 8 is shown in FIG. 9. In the view along the ridge purlin 8 ofFIG. 9, ridge purlin 8 abuts two rafters 3 which connect at respectiveends of the rafters 3. The ridge purlin 8 connects to each rafter 3using a ridge bracket 10 (FIG. 10) on each of two opposite sides of theridge purlin 8, and a hook bracket 40 (FIG. 11) in conjunction with abracket hook 41 (FIG. 12). The rafters 3 may be joined via theirconnections to the ridge purlin 8, or in any manner consistent with thisdisclosure, such as with screws, bolts, brackets, welding, clamping, orother known techniques.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 9-10, in the exemplary embodimentridge bracket 10 is L-shaped. The exemplary ridge bracket 10 includesfastener apertures 38 for connecting the ridge bracket to each of theridge purlin 8 and the rafters 3 via self-tapping screws 39 that passthrough the fastener apertures 38 of ridge bracket 10. In the exemplaryembodiment, one end of ridge bracket 10 is secured to the ridge purlin 8and the other end of ridge bracket 10 is secured to rafter 3. In otherembodiments, ridge bracket 10 may be of any shape or form consistentwith this disclosure, and may be secured to ridge purlin 8 and rafter 3using any known connecting means consistent with this disclosure, suchas screws, bolts, welding, clamping, or other known means.

With continuing reference to FIG. 9, and further reference to FIGS.11-13, an exemplary hook bracket 40 and bracket hook 41 for securingridge purlin 8 are shown. Bracket hook 41 is connected to, and extendsperpendicularly from, ridge purlin 8. Thus, when ridge purlin 8 isconnected to rafters 3, the extending portion of bracket hook 41 will besubstantially flush with rafters 3 and hook bracket 40 is configured toattach on either side of, and retain, the extending portion of brackethook 41.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary connection between an intermediate purlin 11and a rafter 3. In the exemplary embodiment, intermediate purlin 11 hassubstantially the same structure as ridge purlin 8 and attaches torafter 3 using ridge brackets 10, hook bracket 40, and bracket hook 41in generally the same assembly as previously described with respect tothe exemplary connection between the rafters 3 and ridge purlin 8.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of the exemplary connection between a ridgepurlin 8 and rafter 3 as shown in FIG. 9 (and similarly between anintermediate purlin 11 and rafter 3 as shown in FIG. 14).

In the exemplary embodiment(s) described above, eave purlin bracket 6,ridge bracket 9, hook bracket 40, and bracket hook 41 are formed fromextruded, hollow aluminum. In the same or other embodiments, any or allof these components may be formed from other metals, alloys, plastics,or other materials consistent with this disclosure.

With reference now to FIG. 16, and continuing reference to FIGS. 3-4,the exemplary embodiment of a clearspan structure 1 includes brace bars4 connected between upright posts 2 and rafters 3 for providingadditional stability and support to the clearspan structure 1. Theexemplary brace bar 4, shown in FIG. 16, includes a brace bar saddle toupright 22 as shown in FIG. 17 for connecting to the upright post 2, anda brace bar saddle to rafter 23 as shown in FIG. 18 for connecting tothe rafter 3. The brace bar 4 further includes a hollow structuralsection 24 connected at a first end to the brace bar saddle to upright22 and at a second end to a brace bar extension 25. The brace barextension 25 is further connected to the brace bar saddle to rafter 23.In other embodiments, brace bar saddle to upright 22 and brace barsaddle to rafter 23 may be connected by a single component, for exampleand without limitation, a hollow structural section or other componentconsistent with this disclosure that extends between the brace barsaddle to upright 22 and the brace bar saddle to rafter 23.

The exemplary brace bar saddle to upright 22 shown in FIG. 17 has aU-shape. In other embodiments, brace bar saddle to upright 22 maygenerally have any shape or form consistent with this disclosure. In theexemplary embodiment, the U-shaped brace bar saddle to upright 22 may,for example and without limitation, be connected to each side of asubstantially rectangular upright post 2 and secured thereto usingscrews, bolts, or other known fasteners passed through fastenerapertures 38 on brace bar saddle to upright 22. In other embodiments,brace bar saddle to upright 22 may be connected to a frame member bywelding, clamping, or other known connecting means, or may be integrallyformed with a frame member.

The brace bar saddle to upright 22 is also connected to the hollowstructural section 24, as shown in FIG. 16. In the exemplary embodimentshown by FIG. 16, brace bar saddle to upright 22 is welded to the hollowstructural section 24 at an appropriate angle to allow attachment of thebrace bar saddle to upright 22 to upright post 2. In other embodiments,brace bar saddle to upright 22 and hollow structural section 24 may beconnected by bolting, clamping, or other known connecting means, or maybe integrally formed.

With continuing reference to FIG. 16, hollow structural section 24 andbrace bar extension 25 are connected. As shown in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 16, hollow structural section 24 and brace barextension 25 are connected by bolts 36 and nuts 37, and/or by a weldthrough slot 42 in the hollow structural section 24. In otherembodiments, hollow structural section 24 and brace bar extension 25 maybe connected by any other known means consistent with this disclosure,or may be integrally formed. In still further embodiments, brace barextension 25 may be configured to move relative to hollow structuralsection 24, for example by sliding along a length of hollow structuralsection 24.

With continuing reference to FIG. 16, brace bar extension 25 extendsfrom hollow structural section 24 and further connects to brace barsaddle to rafter 23. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 18, bracebar saddle to rafter 23 has an elongate U-shape. In other embodiments,brace bar saddle to rafter 23 may generally have any shape or formconsistent with this disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment, theU-shaped brace bar saddle to rafter 23 may be connected to each side ofa substantially rectangular rafter 3 and secured thereto using screws,bolts, or other known fasteners passed through fastener apertures 38 onbrace bar saddle to rafter 23. In other embodiments, brace bar to saddleto rafter 23 may be connected to a frame member by welding, clamping, orother sufficient connection means, or may be integrally formed with aframe member.

In the exemplary embodiment shown by FIG. 16, brace bar saddle to rafter23 is welded to the brace bar extension 25 at an appropriate angle toallow attachment of the brace bar saddle to rafter 23 to rafter 3. Inother embodiments, brace bar saddle to rafter 23 and brace bar extension25 may be connected by bolting, clamping, or other known connectingmeans, or may be integrally formed.

In the exemplary embodiment of brace bar 2 described above, thecomponents of brace bar 2 are made from galvanized steel such asaccording to standard ASTM A922 (“Standard Specification for SiliconMetal”). In the same or other embodiments, components of brace bar 2 maybe made from other metals, alloys, plastics, or other materialsconsistent with this disclosure.

With reference now to FIG. 19, and continuing reference to FIG. 3, theexemplary embodiment of a clearspan structure further includes ridgestruts 5 connected between opposing rafters 3 for providing additionalstability and support to the clearspan structure 1. In the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 19, ridge strut 5 is an elongate strut having a ridgestrut saddle 43 at each of first and second ends. As previously shown inFIG. 3, the ridge strut 5 spans and connects to opposing rafters 3 viaridge strut saddles 43 which, in the exemplary embodiment, are U-shapedstructures that may fit over opposing sides of a substantiallyrectangular rafter 3 and be connected thereto by screws or bolts throughfastener apertures 38, or by welding or other known connection means.Ridge strut 5 may also be integrally formed with a frame member.

In the exemplary embodiment, components of ridge strut 5 are made fromgalvanized steel such as according to standard ASTM A922 (“StandardSpecification for Silicon Metal”). In the same or other embodiments,components of ridge strut 5 may be made from other metals, alloys,plastics, or other materials consistent with this disclosure. Further,ridge strut 5, and ridge strut saddles 43 may be of any shape or formconsistent with this disclosure.

With reference now to FIG. 20, the exemplary embodiment of a clearspanstructure 1 has roof fabric 13 and fabric walls 19 for enclosing theclearspan structure 1 and frame. In the exemplary embodiment, rooffabric 13 and fabric walls 19 are double flap keder fabric having doubleflap reinforcement. As shown in FIGS. 21-22, the exemplary double flapkeder fabric is formed by wrapping a first surface 17 a and a secondsurface 17 b of a keder material 17 around a dowel 16. The first surface17 a and second surface 17 b surface of the keder material 17 arejoined, for example by high-frequency RF welding, to form a securepocket 18 for containing the dowel 16 and thereby form a keder edge 14on the material.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 21-22, keder material 17 is apolyester 19 oz., white, denier 2000×2000 keder fabric with a thicknessof 0.70 mm and a coating thickness of 0.20 mm. In other embodiments, thekeder material 17 may be any material consistent with the scope of thisdisclosure, for example and without limitation, a material that meetsthe American Petroleum Institute “Management of Hazards Associated withLocation of Process Plant Tents,” API Recommended Practice 756, FirstEdition (September 2014).

With continuing reference to FIG. 20, and further reference to FIGS.23-29, roof fabrics 13 and fabric walls 19 are connected to framemembers of the exemplary clearspan structure 1 to enclose the clearspanstructure 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown by FIGS. 23-24, kederedges 14 of roof fabric 13 are received by, and lock into, keder tracks15 in rafters 3. Roof fabric 13 extends over eave purlin 7 to form rooffabric flap 47. As shown in the exemplary cutaway view of fabric flap 47in FIG. 25, the exemplary roof fabric flap 47 includes a pocket 51formed, e.g., by looping the end of the roof fabric flap 47 and weldingthe loop in place. As further shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.24-25, a steel bar 48 passes through pocket 51 and is retained by aratchet strap 52 attached to upright post 2, for keeping the roof fabricflap 47 and roof fabric 13 from flapping, moving, and/or becomingdislodged.

With continuing reference to FIG. 25, and additional reference now toFIGS. 26-29, fabric walls 13 include keder edges 14 as previouslydescribed, and an edge having tabs 20 extending from the fabric wall 13.As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 25-29, keder edges 14 ofthe fabric wall 13 are received by, and lock into, keder tracks 15 a onthe upright posts 2. Tabs 20 on the fabric wall 13 are received by, andlock into, a corresponding track 53 on eave purlins 7.

With reference now to FIGS. 30-31, the exemplary embodiment of aclearspan structure may further include stake bars 26 used with baseplates 6 to increase resistance to uplift or shear forces on theclearspan structure 1. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.30-31, each stake bar 26 has additional anchoring apertures 44 forsecuring the stake bar 26 to a foundation or the ground.

As also shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 30-31, stake bar 26includes stake bar platform 45 which elevates the stake bar 26 such thatan overlapping portion 46 of stake bar 26 overlaps base plate 6. In thisembodiment, overlapping portion 46 of stake bar 26 includes at least oneanchoring aperture 44 that is aligned with an anchoring aperture 44 inbase plate 6 such that an anchor may connect the stake bar 26 to each ofthe base plate 6 and a foundation or the ground. In this or otherembodiments, base plates 6 may be integrally formed with stake bars 26or connected by welding, bolting, or other known methods. Base plates 6and stake bars 26 may also take any form or shape consistent with thisdisclosure.

In the exemplary embodiments, stake bars 26 are made from a galvanizedsteel such as according to standard A922 (“Standard Specification forSilicon Metal”). In other embodiments, stake bars may be made from othermetals, alloys, plastics, or other materials consistent with thisdisclosure.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-2 and 32-35, the exemplary disclosedembodiment of a clearspan structure 1 may include cable braces 27 forproviding additionally stability or resilience to the structure 1. Anoverall, exemplary configuration of cable braces 27 in the clearspanstructure 1 may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in the exemplaryembodiments of FIGS. 32-35, each cable brace 27 comprises a cable 28,turnbuckle 29, and cable console 30. In the exemplary embodiments ofFIGS. 32-35, cable consoles 30 are bolted to frame members of theclearspan structure 1, and cables 28 are attached to the consoles usingbolts through the eye end of an adjustable turnbuckle 29. Other knowncable structures consistent with this disclosure may also be used.

FIGS. 32-35 show cable brace 27 attachments at various locations in theclearspan structure 1. For example, FIG. 32 shows a cable console 30,turnbuckle 29, and cable 28 connected to rafters 3 at their intersectionwith a ridge purlin 8. FIG. 33 shows cable consoles 30, turnbuckles 29,and cables 28 connected to a bracket 35 joining an upright post 2 to arafter 3. FIG. 34 shows cable consoles 30, turnbuckles 29, and cables 28connected to a rafter 3 near an intermediate purlin 11. FIG. 35 shows acable console 30, turnbuckles 29, and cables 28 connected to a baseplate 6 beneath an upright post 2.

In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 32-35, cable braces 27 have steelbracing cables and components. In the same or other embodiments, thecable braces 27 may be formed from any suitable material, and connectedat any particular locations, depending on the requirements forparticular clearspan structures.

With reference now to FIGS. 36-38, the exemplary embodiment of aclearspan structure may further include a hanging light assembly 31. Thehanging light assembly 31 is connected to a rafter 3 by a beam clamp 32that is fastened to a keder track 15 on the bottom of the rafter 3 and abackup system consisting of a cable 33 connecting the light assembly 31to the rafter 3. The hanging light assembly 31 may provide light withinthe clearspan structure, for example using a 400 watt metal halide lightor other light source consistent with this disclosure.

In the exemplary embodiment shown by FIGS. 36-38, beam clamp 32 is alength-adjustable screw clamp with claws 32 a configured to fit withinand be clamped to keder tracks 15 of rafter 3. The exemplary cable 33connecting the light assembly 31 to the rafter 3 is, in the exemplaryembodiment, an 18 inch lanyard constructed out of a size No. 14 steeljack chain that is fastened to the side of the rafter with a size No. 14self-tapping screw 39. In other embodiments, the hanging light assembly31 may be secured to a frame member by any known means consistent withthis disclosure, such as other clamping systems and mechanicalconnectors made from different materials, or means such as welding andscrew/bolt-type fasteners.

An exemplary method of forming the disclosed exemplary clearspanstructure will be generally understood from the foregoing description ofan exemplary clearspan structure and component systems, and thematerials, techniques, constructions, and assemblies described therein.The exemplary method includes securing stake bars 26 and base plates 6to each other and to a foundation or the ground; connecting a first endof upright posts to base plates 6; connecting a second end upright posts2 to a first end of rafters 3; connecting a second end of rafters 3 toridge purlins 8; connecting eave purlins 7 to the first ends of rafters3; connecting intermediate purlins 11 to rafters 3 in between the eavepurlins 7 and ridge purlins 8; connecting brace bars 4 between connectedupright posts 2 and rafters 3; and, connecting ridge struts 5 betweenopposing rafters 3.

The exemplary method may further comprise connecting fabric walls 19 toeave purlins 7; connecting roof fabrics 13 to rafters 3; and connectingroof fabric flaps 47 to ratchet straps 52 connected to upright posts.

The exemplary method may further comprise at least one of connectingcable braces 27 to frame members and connecting hanging light assemblies31 to rafters 3.

In the exemplary or other embodiments, the method steps may be performedin any order, or not at all, consistent with this disclosure. Additionalor alternative steps may also be performed within the scope of thisdisclosure, including the materials, techniques, constructions, andassemblies described with respect to the exemplary clearspan structureand component systems.

Although certain example embodiments have been described above, thepresent disclosure is not limited thereto. Also, the features, aspects,advantages, and example embodiments described herein may be combined torealize yet further embodiments. Further, the current disclosure coversvarious modifications and equivalent arrangements and methods includedwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A clearspan structure, comprising: a first upright post having afirst end connected to a first base plate and a second end connected toa first end of a first rafter; a second upright post having a first endconnected to a second base plate and a second end connected to a firstend of a second rafter; a first brace bar having a first end connectedto the first upright post and a second end connected to the firstrafter; a second brace bar having a first end connected to the secondupright post and a second end connected to the second rafter; and, aridge strut, wherein a second end of the first rafter is connected to asecond end of the second rafter and the ridge strut has a first endconnected to the first rafter and a second end connected to the secondrafter.
 2. The clearspan structure of claim 1, further comprising: athird upright post having a first end connected to a third base plateand a second end connected to a first end of a third rafter; a fourthupright post having a first end connected to a fourth base plate and asecond end connected to a first end of a fourth rafter; a first eavepurlin having a first end connected to the first end of the first rafterand a second end connected to the first end of the third rafter; asecond eave purlin having a first end connected to the first end of thesecond rafter and a second end connected to the first end of the fourthrafter; and, a ridge purlin, wherein a second end of the third rafter isconnected to a second end of the fourth rafter, and the ridge purlin hasa first end connected to at least one of the second end of the firstrafter and the second end of the second rafter and a second endconnected to at least one of the second end of the third rafter and asecond end of the fourth rafter.
 3. The clearspan structure of claim 2,further comprising at least one eave bracket, wherein each eave bracketis configured for connecting at least one of the first and second end ofat least one of the first and second eave purlin to the correspondingfirst end of the first, second, third, or fourth rafter.
 4. Theclearspan structure of claim 3, wherein the eave bracket has a bent-Ushape.
 5. The clearspan structure of claim 4, further comprising atleast one ridge bracket, wherein each ridge bracket is configured forconnecting at least one of the first and second end of the ridge purlinto the corresponding second end of the first, second, third, or fourthrafter.
 6. The clearspan structure of claim 5, wherein the ridge brackethas an L-shape.
 7. The clearspan structure of claim 6, furthercomprising: an intermediate purlin positioned between the first eavepurlin and the ridge purlin and having a first end connected to thefirst rafter and a second end connected to the third rafter; and, anintermediate purlin bracket, wherein the intermediate purlin bracket hasan L-shape and is configured for connecting at least one of the firstand second end of the intermediate purlin to the corresponding first orthird rafter.
 8. The clearspan structure of claim 7, further comprisinga first roof fabric and a second roof fabric, wherein the first rooffabric has a first edge connected to the first rafter and a second edgeconnected to the third rafter and extends between the first and thirdrafters for covering a gap between the first and third rafters, and thesecond roof fabric has a first edge connected to the second rafter and asecond edge connected to the fourth rafter and extends between thesecond and fourth rafters for covering a gap between the second andfourth rafters.
 9. The clearspan structure of claim 8, wherein at leastone of the first edge and second edge of the first roof fabric has akeder edge and at least one of the first and third rafters has a kedertrack for receiving the corresponding keder edge, and at least one ofthe first edge and second edge of the second roof fabric has a kederedge and at least one of the second and fourth rafters has a keder trackfor receiving the corresponding keder edge.
 10. The clearspan structureof claim 9, wherein the keder edge comprises a dowel wrapped between afirst surface of a keder material and a second surface of the kedermaterial, and the first surface of the keder material is joined to thesecond surface of the keder material to form a pocket for enclosing thedowel.
 11. The clearspan structure of claim 10, further comprising afirst wall fabric and a second wall fabric, wherein the first wallfabric has a first edge connected to the first upright post, a secondedge connected to the third upright post, and a third edge connected tothe first eave purlin and extends between the first and third uprightposts for covering a gap between the first and third upright posts, andthe second wall fabric has a first edge connected to the second uprightpost, a second edge connected to the fourth upright post, and a thirdedge connected to the second eave purlin and extends between the secondand fourth upright posts for covering a gap between the second andfourth upright posts.
 12. The clearspan structure of claim 11, whereinat least one of the first edge and second edge of the first wall fabrichas a keder edge and at least one of the first and third upright postshas a keder track for receiving the corresponding keder edge, at leastone of the first edge and second edge of the second wall fabric has akeder edge and at least one of the second and fourth upright posts has akeder track for receiving the corresponding keder edge, the third edgeof each of the first and second wall fabrics each have at least one taband the first and second eave purlins have a tab receiving track forreceiving the corresponding tabs of the first and second wall fabrics,and the keder edge comprises a dowel wrapped between a first surface ofa keder material and a second surface of the keder material, and thefirst surface of the keder material is joined to the second surface ofthe keder material to form a pocket for enclosing the dowel.
 13. Theclearspan structure of claim 12, further comprising: at least one cablebrace having a cable, a turnbuckle, and a cable console, wherein atleast one cable console is connected to at least one the first, second,third, and fourth upright posts and first, second, third, and fourthrafters, and the at least one cable is connected to the at least onecable console via the at least one turnbuckle.
 14. The clearspanstructure of claim 13, further comprising a hanging light assemblyhaving a beam clamp connected to at least one of the first rafter andthe second rafter, and a cord attached to each of the hanging lightassembly and the at least one of the first rafter and the second rafter.15. The clearspan structure of claim 1, wherein the first brace bar andsecond brace bar each comprise a brace bar saddle to upright at a firstend of the brace bar, a brace bar saddle to rafter at a second end ofthe brace bar, and a hollow structural section connected at a first endof the first hollow structural section to the brace bar saddle toupright and at a second end of the first hollow structural section to abrace bar extension, the brace bar saddle to upright of the first bracebar is connected to the first upright post and the brace bar saddle torafter of the first brace bar is connected to each of the first rafterand the brace bar extension of the first brace bar, and the brace barsaddle to upright of the second brace bar is connected to the secondupright post and the brace bar saddle to rafter of the second brace baris connected to each of the second rafter and the brace bar extension ofthe second brace bar.
 16. The clearspan structure of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one stake bar, wherein each stake bar is connectedto each of a base plate and a foundation or the ground.
 17. A clearspanstructure, comprising: at least one upright post having a keder track;at least one rafter having a keder track; at least one brace bar havinga first end connected to the upright post and a second end connected tothe rafter; at least one fabric wall having a keder edge; and, at leastone roof fabric having a keder edge, wherein the keder track of theupright post is configured for receiving the keder edge of the fabricwall and the keder track of the rafter is configured for receiving thekeder edge of the roof fabric.
 18. The clearspan structure of claim 17,wherein the brace bar comprises a brace bar saddle to upright at a firstend of the brace bar, a brace bar saddle to rafter at a second end ofthe brace bar, and a hollow structural section connected at a first endof the first hollow structural section to the brace bar saddle toupright and at a second end of the first hollow structural section to abrace bar extension, and the brace bar saddle to upright of the firstbrace bar is connected to the first upright post and the brace barsaddle to rafter of the first brace bar is connected to each of thefirst rafter and the brace bar extension of the first brace bar.
 19. Aclearspan structure, comprising: a base plate; a stake bar; at least oneupright post; at least one rafter; at least one brace bar; at least oneeave purlin; and, at least one ridge purlin, wherein the eave purlin isconnected to the rafter by a bracket having a bent-U shape and the ridgepurlin is connected to the rafter by a bracket having an L-shape, andthe stake bar is connected to the base plate and a foundation or theground.
 20. A method of forming a clearspan structure, comprising:securing a stake bar and base plate to each other and to a foundation orthe ground; connecting a first end of an upright post to the base plate;connecting a second end of the upright post to a first end of a rafter;connecting a second end of the rafter to a ridge purlin; connecting aneave purlin to the first end of the rafter; connecting an intermediatepurlin to the rafter in between the eave purlin and the ridge purlin;connecting a brace bar between the upright post and the rafter;connecting a ridge strut to the rafter; connecting a fabric wall to theeave purlin and the upright post; and, connecting a roof fabric to therafter.